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Maple Leafs Sign Robbie Earl

by
Staff Writer
/ Toronto Maple Leafs

(April 15, 2006) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs signed University of Wisconsin Badger (NCAA) left-winger Robbie Earl to a three-year Entry Level contract according to John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the NHL club.

Earl will join the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League and he is eligible to play in the playoffs which begin against the Grand Rapids Griffins on April 21.

"Robbie evolved into one of the top performers for the NCAA champions this season and we are delighted to have him on board," said Ferguson. "His recent success as a key member of the champion Badgers is a big boost for his future development at the professional level."

Earl, 20, completed his third season this month with the Badgers and played an integral role in their first national championship since 1990 and their sixth in school history. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four Tournament played in Boston College last Saturday. He scored once in the final game and twice in the 5-2 semi-final win over on April 7. His efforts culminated in his selection to the All-Tournament Team.

Earl is the current Wisconsin career leader in points with 121 and he led the Badgers in goals (24) for the second year in a row.